Luis Seabra Mono A Alfrocheiro 2021

Luis Seabra made his name as winemaker for Niepoort, before leaving to set up his own project in 2013. Seabra’s idea was to make uncompromising wines: the sort he wanted to make, without thinking about what the market wants. He wanted to create authentic expressions of these regions.

It is rare for a winemaker in Dão (let alone an outsider) to make a statement about Alfrocheiro, which is typically used just for blending. Under the thoughtful mastery of Seabra, Mono A allows both the natural charm and aromatics—backed up by the frontal tannin of granite terroir—to come through in a way that shows the promise of this little-known varietal. Thanks to its aromatic profile and gentle tannins, this wine is excellent on its own, but works wonderfully with mountain fare like mushrooms, meat and vegetable stews, and even earthier game bird preparations.